Nectarine tree, ‘Burnecttwentyseven’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated varietally as ‘Burnecttwentyseven’, and which produces an attractively colored white-fleshed, sub-acid freestone nectarine, which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 20 to 28 under ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Botanical designation: The present invention relates to a new, novel anddistinct variety of nectarine tree Prunus persica (subspeciesnucipersica).

Varietal denomination: ‘Burnecttwentyseven’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of nectarine tree resulted from an on-going programof fruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is toimprove the commercial quality of available deciduous fruit and nutvarieties, and rootstocks, by creating and releasing promisingselections of Prunus, Malus and Regia species. To this end we make bothcontrolled and hybrid cross pollinations each year in order to produceseedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluated and anddistinct variety of nectarine tree, which is considered of large size,and which has selected.

The seedling ‘Burnecttwentyseven’ was originated by us from a populationof seedlings grown in our experimental orchards which are located nearFowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were the resultof a controlled cross made by us in 2005 using the nectarine tree‘Burnecttwentyone’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,233), which was used as theseed parent; and an un-named white-fleshed nectarine tree which was usedas the pollen parent. One seedling, Q62.081, which is the presentvariety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was markedfor subsequent observation. After the 2007 fruiting season, the new,present variety, was selected for advanced evaluation and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of nectarine treewas accomplished by budding the new nectarine tree on to ‘Nemaguard’Rootstock (non-patented). This was performed by us in our experimentalorchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations haveshown those asexual reproductions run true to the original tree. Allcharacteristics of the original tree, and its fruit, were established,and appear to be transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations. Wehave observed fruit for the past 4 successive years from approximately15 propagated trees.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Burnecttwentyseven’ is a new vigorous growth. This new nectarine treevariety is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large,firm, non-acid white-fleshed, melting, freestone fruit which have goodflavor and eating quality. The tree of the present variety displays amedium chilling requirement of approximately 650 hours. Still further,the present tree also produces relatively uniformly sized fruitthroughout the tree. Additionally, the fruit produced by the presenttree has a high degree of red skin coloration, a firm flesh and appearsto have good handling and shipping qualities. The ‘Burnecttwentyseven’Nectarine tree bears fruit which are ripe for commercial harvesting andshipment on approximately August 20 to August 28 under the ecologicalconditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.In relative comparison to the seed parent nectarine tree,‘Burnecttwentyone’, the present new variety ripens approximately 7-10days earlier. In relative comparison to the nectarine tree, ‘RegalPearl’ tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,254), which is the most similarcommercial variety known to the breeders at this time, the fruit of thenew, present, variety is (approximately 8-10 millimeters) larger.Further, the fruit new of the new variety, when compared to the fruit ofthe ‘Regal Pearl’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,254) ripens 4-6 days later. Inrelative comparison to the new variety, the pollen parent yields fruitthan ripen on or about July 5. This ripening date is approximately 6weeks earlier than the new variety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are provided, include two colorphotographs of the new variety of nectarine tree.

FIG. 1 depicts two whole mature fruit, one of which displays a fruitviewed from the basal aspect, and one of which is dissectedsubstantially in the sagital plane and viewed from the lateralperspective, revealing the flesh characteristics thereof. Additionallythe segment of fruit removed from the aforementioned dissection ispresented to further display the internal coloration of the fruit atfull commercial maturity. The external coloration of the fruit, asshown, is sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment.

FIG. 2 depicts a lateral view of the stone, and its associatedcharacteristics.

The colors in these photographs are as nearly true as is reasonablypossible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemicaldevelopment, processing, and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted inthese photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actualspecimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to thecolor plates (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001) anddescriptions provided.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely complywith the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, and does not constitute acommercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the presentvariety will in the future display all the botanical, pomological orother characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, thisdisclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claimsincluding, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, orfitness for any particular purpose, or non-infringement which isdirected, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observedduring the sixth fruiting season under the ecological conditionsprevailing at orchards which are located near the town of Fowler, countyof Fresno, state of Calif. All major color code designations are byreference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) and which isprovided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Commoncolor names are also occasionally used.

TREE

-   -   -   Size.—Generally. — Considered medium-large as compared to            other common commercial nectarine cultivars ripening in the            early season of maturity. The tree of the present variety            was pruned to a height of approximately 280.0 cm to about            320.0 cm at commercial maturity.        -   Tree height.—3.8 meters.        -   Canopy width.—3.7 meters.        -   Vigor.—Considered vigorous. The present variety grew from            about 200.0 cm to 210.0 cm, in height, during the first            growing season. The new nectarine tree variety was pruned to            a height of approximately 150.0 cm during the first dormant            season, and primary scaffolds were then selected for the            desired tree structure.        -   Productivity.—Productive. Fruit set varies from 1.5, to            several times more than the desired crop load. Fruit set is            spaced by thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the            desired market sized fruit. The number of the fruit set            varies with prevailing climatic conditions, and the cultural            practices employed during the bloom period, and is therefore            not a distinctive characteristic of this new variety.        -   Fruit bearing.—Regular. Fruit set has been moderate, and            some thinning was necessary during the past 4 years.        -   Tree form.—Upright, and pruned to a vase shape.        -   Tree density.—Considered medium dense. It has been            discovered that pruning the branches from the center of the            tree to obtain a resulting vase shape allows for proper air            movement in the tree, and appropriate amounts of sunlight to            enhance fruit color and renewal of fruiting wood throughout            the tree.        -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA            Hardiness Zone 9.        -   Winter chilling requirements.—The new tree requires            approximately 650 hours of chilling below 7.0 degrees C. The            variety appears to be hardy under typical Central San            Joaquin Valley climatic conditions.

TRUNK

-   -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 18.0 cm in diameter when measured at            a distance of approximately 15.24 cm above the soil level,            and at the end of the sixth growing season.        -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with numerous            folds of papery scarfskin being present.        -   Lenticels.—Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The            lenticels range in size from approximately 3.0 to about 6.0            millimeters in width, and from about 1.0 to about 2.0            millimeters in height. It should be noted that as the cork            (bark) of trees mature the lenticels become less apparent            and less abundant.        -   Lenticel color.—Considered an Orange Brown, (RHS            Greyed-Orange Group 164 C).        -   Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to            be grey-brown, (RHS Grey-Brown Group N199 C).

BRANCHES

-   -   -   Size.—Considered medium large for the variety.        -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine tree            varieties. The branches of the present variety have a            diameter of about 7.0 centimeters when measured during the            fourth year after grafting.        -   Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood            which is several years old.        -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable            between about 45 degrees to about 55 degrees from the            horizontal axis. This particular characteristic is not            considered distinctive of the variety, however.        -   Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially            glabrous.        -   Internode length.—Approximately 2.3 cm. to about 2.5 cm.            This tree characteristic is highly dependent upon plant            nutrition, soil quality, pruning and general tree care, and            therefore is not a particularly distinctive characteristic            of the new variety.        -   Color of mature branches.—Medium brown, (RHS Greyed-Orange            165 A).        -   Current seasons shoots.—Color — Light green, (RHS            Yellow-Green Group 144 B). The color of new shoot tips is            considered a bright and shiny green (RHS Green Group 143 B).

LEAVES

-   -   -   Size.—Considered medium large for the species. Leaf            measurements have been taken from vigorous, upright,            current-season growth, at approximately mid-shoot.        -   Leaf length.—Approximately 141.0 to about 155.0 millimeters.        -   Leaf width.—Approximately 32.0 to about 39.0 millimeters.        -   Leaf base shape.—Slightly oblique relative to the leaf            longitudinal axis.        -   Leaf form.—Lancelolate.        -   Leaf tip form.—Acute.        -   Leaf color.—Upper surface — Medium green, (approximately RHS            Green Group 137 B).        -   Leaf texture.—Glabrous.        -   Leaf color.—Lower Surface — Medium green, (RHS Green Group            143 A).        -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.        -   Mid-vein.—Color. — Light yellow green, (RHS Yellow-Green            Group 150 C).        -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating. Form. — Considered            crenate, occasionally doubly crenate. Uniformity. —            Considered generally uniform.        -   Leaf petioles.—Size. — Considered medium long. Length. —            about 8.0 mm. to about 11.0 mm. Diameter. — about 2.0 mm. to            about 2.5 mm. Color. — Pale green, (RHS Yellow-Green Group            144 A).        -   Leaf glands.—Size. — About 1.0 mm. in height, and about            1.0 mm. in width. Number. — Generally two per side,            occasionally one per side. Type. — Globose, and considered            reasonably unappressed to the petiole margin and moderately            small. The glands on more mature leaves are occasionally            senescent. Color. — Orange brown, (RHS Greyed-Orange Group            177 A).        -   Leaf stipules.—Size. — Medium for the variety. Length. —            Approximately 8.0 mm.-11.0 mm. Width. — Approximately            1.0mm.-1.5 mm. Number. — Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to            6 per shoot tip. Form. — Lanceolate in form, and having a            serrated margin. Color. — Green, (RHS Green Group 139 A)            when young, but graduating to a brown color, (RHS            Greyed-Orange group 177 A), with advancing senescence. The            stipules are considered to be early deciduous.

FLOWER BUDS

-   -   -   Flower buds.—Generally — The floral buds, depending upon the            stage of development, are approximately 7.0 millimeters            wide; and about 15.0 millimeters long; conic in form; and            slightly appressed relative to the bearing shoot.        -   Flower bud scales.—Color — The bud scales are reddish-brown,            (approximately RHS Greyed-Purple Group 183 B). The flow            buds, generally speaking, are considered hardy under typical            central San Joaquin Valley climatic conditions.        -   Hardiness.—No winter injury has been noted during the last            several years of evaluation in the central San Joaquin            Valley. The current variety has not been intentionally            subjected to drought or heat stress, and therefore this            information is not available. The current variety is            considered to have a medium chilling requirement for the            region in which it is presently growing. It is possible to            experience frost damage on either flowers or small fruit due            the early initiation of the blooming period and exposure to            damaging temperatures during the late winter months after            the bloom.

FLOWERS

-   -   -   Blooming time.—Considered mid-season in relative comparison            to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in the central            San Joaquin Valley.        -   Date of first bloom.—Feb. 28, 2012.        -   Date of full bloom.—This was observed on Mar. 4, 2012. The            date of bloom varies slightly with the prevailing climatic            conditions, and cultural practices which were employed.        -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 10 days. This            characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic            conditions.        -   Flower class.—Perfect, complete and perigynous.        -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type            flower.        -   Flower size.—Flower diameter at full bloom is approximately            38.0 to about 44.0 millimeters.        -   Bloom quantity.—Considered very abundant.        -   Flower bud frequency.—Normally 2 flower buds appear per            node. On very rare occasions, 3 buds per node may be            observed.        -   Petal size.—Generally — Considered large for the species.            Length. — Approximately 18.0 to about 22.0 millimeters.            Width. — Approximately 17.0 to about 21.0 millimeters.        -   Petal form.—Rotund to slightly ovate.        -   Petal count.—Generally 5. Occasionally individual flower            pedal counts are doubled.        -   Petal texture.—Glabrous.        -   Petal color.—Upper Surface — Light pink, (RHS Red-Purple            Group 62 D), to a medium pink, (RHS Red-Purple Group N57 C);            Lower surface — Very light pink (RHS Red-Purple Group 69C).        -   Fragrance.—Slight.        -   Petal claw.—Form. — The claw is considered truncate in            shape, and generally has a medium size when compared to            other known varieties. Length. — Approximately 9.0 mm. to            about 11.0 mm. Width. — Approximately 10.0 mm. to about 12.0            mm.        -   Petal margin shapes.—Generally considered variable, from            nearly smooth, to moderately undulate.        -   Petal apex.—Generally — The petal apices generally appear            entire with a small, narrow apical groove; Size —            approximately 1.0-2.0 mm in length, and approximately 1.0 mm            in width; Petal Base — Generally rounded to slightly            truncate.        -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium-long, and having            an average length of approximately 5.0 mm. to about 6.0 mm.            Diameter. — Considered average, approximately 2.0mm.-3.0 mm.            Color. — A medium-light green, (RHS Yellow Green Group 144            A).        -   Floral nectaries.—Color. — An orange brown, (RHS            Greyed-Orange Group N172 A).        -   Calyx.—Surface Texture. — Generally glabrous. Color. — Lower            Surface — A dull red, (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group            178 B); Upper Surface — a dull red (RHS Greyed-Red Group            183A).        -   Sepals.—Surface Texture. — The surface has a short, fine,            pubescent texture. Number. — Always five. Size. — Average,            and ovate in form. Sepal Length. — Approximately 7.0 mm. to            8.0 mm. Sepal Width. — Approximately 6.0 mm. to 7.0 mm.            Sepal Shape. — A single entire lobe. Nearly round. Sepal            Margin. — Smooth, entire. Sepal Color. — Upper and Lower            Surfaces — A dark reddish purple, (approximately RHS            Greyed-Purple Group 183 A).        -   Anthers.—Generally. — Large in size, approximately 11-14            millimeters in length; and 1 millimeter in width. Color. —            Red to reddish purple, (approximately RHS Greyed-Purple            Group 185 A) prior to dehiscence.        -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow            color, (approximately RHS Yellow Group 12 B).        -   Fertility.—Self fertile.        -   Filaments.—Size. — Variable in length, approximately 12.0 to            about 17.0 millimeters in length. Color. — Considered a pale            pink, (RHS White Group N155 B) to a medium-dark pink (RHS            Red-Purple Group 65 A) as the flower matures and begins to            dehisce.        -   Pistil.—Number. — Normally 1, rarely 2. Generally. — Average            in size. Length. — Approximately 19.0 to about 23.0            millimeters including the ovary. Color. — Considered a very            pale green, (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 145 C).            Surface Texture. — The variety has a long glabrous pistil.

FRUIT

-   -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping            ripe). Date of first picking. — approximately Aug. 20, 2007.            Date of last picking. — Aug. 30, 2007. The date of harvest            varies slightly with climatic conditions and the prevailing            cultural practices.        -   Size.—Generally — Considered large, and uniform.        -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 72.0 mm. to about 79.0            mm.        -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 70.0 mm. to about 74.0            mm.        -   Typical weight.—Approximately 270.0 grams. This            characteristic is highly dependent upon the prevailing            cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly            distinctive of this new variety.        -   Fruit form.—Generally — Rounded to oblate. The fruit is            generally uniform in symmetry.        -   Fruit suture.—Shallow, and extending from the stem well to            the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching exists along            the suture line.        -   Suture.—Color — The background color appears to be white,            (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 15 B), with            occasional red coloration, appearing, (approximately RHS Red            Group 46 A).        -   Ventral surface.—Form — Full.        -   Apex shape.—Rounded.        -   Base.—Form — Generally retuse.        -   Stem cavity.—Shape — Rounded and relatively shallow. The            average depth of the stem cavity is about 1.2 cm. The            average width of the stem cavity is about 1.85 cm.        -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered medium in thickness, and            tenacious to the flesh. Surface Texture. — Glabrous. Taste.            — Slightly astringent. Tendency to crack. — Cracking has not            been observed. Further, russeting has not been observed to            date.        -   Fruit skin color.—Blush Color. — The blush color is variable            from a medium red, (approximately RHS Red Group 42 A), to a            dark red, (approximately RHS Red Group 46 A). The blush            color ranges from 85% to about 95% of the fruit surface            depending upon the sunlight exposure, and the prevailing            growing conditions.        -   Ground color.—Generally a light yellow, (approximately RHS            Yellow Group 8 B).        -   Fruit stem.—Moderate in length, approximately 6.0 mm. to            about 9.0 mm. Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 mm. to about            3.0 mm. Color. — Medium-dark brown, (approximately RHS            Greyed-Orange Group 175 A).        -   Fruit flesh.—Ripens. — Evenly. Texture. — Firm, and dense.            Considered melting. Fibers. — Few, small, and tender ones            are found. Aroma. — Slight. Eating Quality. — Considered            good. Flavor. — Considered sweet with a hint of acid. The            flavor is considered pleasant. Acid. — Considered a            sub-acidic fruit. Approximately 0.3 titratable acidity was            detected. Juice Production. — Moderate. Brix. — About 15.5            degrees. This characteristic varies slightly with the number            of fruit per tree; the prevailing cultural practices; and            the surrounding climatic conditions. Flesh Color. —            Considered white in color, and having a very pale yellow            tint, (approximately RHS Yellow 11 D).

STONE

-   -   -   Type.—A tight free stone.        -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety. The stone size            varies with the resulting crop load, and tree vigor, and is            therefore is not considered a distinguishing characteristic            of this new variety.        -   Length.—Average, about 37.0 mm. to about 40.0 mm.        -   Width.—Average, about 28.0 mm. to about 30.0 mm.        -   Diameter.—Average, about 19.0 mm. to about 22.0 mm.        -   Stone form.—Ovoid.        -   Stone base.—The stone is slightly oblique relative to the            stone's vertical axis.        -   Apex.—Shape — The stone apex has a small raised tip.        -   Stone surface.—Surface Texture — Substantial pitting is            evident, in general, from the base to a location past the            equatorial plane. Grooving is usually observed along the pit            margin, near the tip, and on the ventral side. Ridges. —            Shape — The surface texture varies from sharp to rounded.            Ventral Edge. — Width — Considered medium, and having a            dimension of approximately 3.0 mm. to about 4.0 mm. when            measured at the mid-suture. Dorsal Edge. — Shape — Full,            heavily grooved, and having relatively smooth edges.        -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is a medium brown            (RHS Greyed-Orange Group approximately 177 A). The stone as            seen in FIG. 2 is freshly exposed, and can exhibit darkening            hues from oxidation.        -   Tendency to split.—Rarely, splits have been noted.        -   Kernel.—Generally — The kernel is considered immature, and            semi-gelatinous. Length. — Approximately 18.0 millimeters.            Width. — Approximately 12.0 millimeters. Form. — Considered            ovoid. Pellicle. — Pubescent. Color. — Considered to be a            burnt orange (RHS Greyed-Orange Group N167 A).        -   Use.—The subject variety ‘Burnecttwentyseven’ is considered            to be a Nectarine tree which matures late in the season, and            which produces fruit, which are considered firm,            attractively colored, and which are useful for both local            and long distance shipping.        -   Keeping quality.—Excellent. Fruit has stored well for up to            25 days after harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius.        -   Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit of the new nectarine tree            variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh, or skin            damage, after being subjected to normal harvesting and            packing procedures.        -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular            susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has not            been tested to expose or detect any susceptibilities or            resistances to any known plant and/or fruit diseases.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailingnear Fowler, Calif., in the central part of the San Joaquin Valley ofCalifornia, it should be understood that variations of the usualmagnitude and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions,fertilization, pruning, pest control and horticultural management are tobe expected.

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of nectarine tree,what we claim is new, and desire to secure by plant Letters Patentis:
 1. A new distinct variety of nectarine tree, substantially asillustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as tonovelty by producing an attractively colored, white-fleshed, sub-acidfreestone nectarine which is mature for harvesting and shipmentapproximately August 20 to August 28 under the ecological conditionsprevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.